Effects-Based Operations Has Limitations

Abstract

Abstract : Effects-Based Operations (EBO) is one of the new Joint warfighting doctrines being developed by United States Joint Forces Command (USJFCOM) to better advantage the U.S. military in the 21st century environment. Its origins began in the Second World War to analyze and identify critical enemy infrastructure for strategic bombing to target. Since then this concept has evolved to encompass application for all military operations with the potential to be used at the strategic, operational and tactical levels of war. EBO is a very useful tool for targeting by operational fires and U.S. interagency functions, but it has limited application when it is applied against a determined enemy whose will to fight will not be deterred no matter what the consequences. The concept is particularly fraught with danger when there is difficulty in acquiring accurate and timely intelligence. This is not to say that EBO shouldn't be pursued, but just like the application of air power theory, military planners must understand that in certain circumstances and environments it has limitations and therefore should not be embraced as a warfighting doctrine, but rather a targeting tool that can be very effective given the right circumstances.